ECI Launches Second Phase of Electoral Roll Revision in 12 States and UTs
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the launch of the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories (UTs), beginning November 4, 2025, with the final rolls to be published on February 7, 2026. The move aims to ensure clean, accurate, and inclusive voter lists ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in several key states.
States and UTs Covered
The revision will cover Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Notably, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, and Puducherry are scheduled for Assembly polls in 2026.
Assam has been excluded from this phase due to its distinct citizenship and voter registration framework.
Revision Schedule and Key Dates
- Training & Preparation: October 28 – November 3, 2025
- Enumeration Period: November 4 – December 4, 2025
- Draft Rolls Release: December 12, 2025
- Claims & Objections: December 9, 2025 – January 8, 2026
- Final Publication: February 7, 2026
The voter list will be frozen at midnight on October 27, 2025, prior to the enumeration. Each polling station will have a maximum of 1,200 voters to enhance accessibility and reduce congestion.
Aadhaar and Document Verification
CEC Gyanesh Kumar clarified that, following the Supreme Court’s September 9 ruling, Aadhaar may be used only for identification or e-signing, not as proof of citizenship, domicile, or age. Voters from the 2003 rolls will not need to resubmit documentation. The ECI has also made archived voter rolls (2002–2004) available online for public verification.
Enhanced Accuracy and Accessibility
Building on lessons from the Bihar revision, the ECI has mandated up to three household visits by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to verify and update voter data. Online form submission is now enabled for easier access. New polling stations will be set up in gated communities, high-rise apartments, and slum clusters to ensure maximum voter reach. Appeals against Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) decisions can be filed before District Magistrates or State CEOs within 15 days.
Exam-Oriented Facts
- Final voter lists to be published February 7, 2026.
- Aadhaar accepted only as identity proof, not for citizenship or age.
- Voter list frozen on October 27, 2025.
- 1,200 voters per polling station limit introduced.
Towards Cleaner and Inclusive Elections
The Special Intensive Revision underscores the ECI’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and accuracy in India’s electoral process, ensuring that every eligible citizen’s vote counts in the world’s largest democracy.
